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May 8, 2009
Obama Budget Supports SunRail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 8, 2009
Contact: Russell Roberts
(202) 225-4035

Washington, D.C. – The detailed FY2010 Obama Administration Budget released today includes a federal commitment of $40 million to fund initial work on the Central Florida Commuter Rail project. SunRail had requested federal funds for 2010 project costs and competed with projects across the nation to receive this federal support.

Although the Florida Legislature last Friday rejected the approval of a liability agreement for SunRail, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Obama Administration did not abandon the federal commitment to the proposed new transit system for Central Florida.

U.S. Representative John Mica said, “In a conversation with the Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, he indicated strong continued federal support for building the system.” Sec. LaHood went on to say, “This project is not only important to Central Florida and the State but also to the nation.”

The Central Florida Commuter Rail project was listed along with four other newly recommended New Starts projects for fully funded grant agreements. The other new transit projects named to receive federal funding under the New Starts funding category include Sacramento, California; New Jersey to New York; and two new lines in Houston, Texas.

Rep. Corrine Brown, Chairwoman of the Railroad Subcommittee, joined Rep. Mica, the Republican Leader of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in praise of the Obama Administration commitment to the SunRail project and its inclusion in the FY2010 Budget. Rep. Brown said, “I am committed to ensuring that Central Florida move forward with this commuter rail project.”

Congressman Mica concluded, “After last week’s setback, this federal commitment is a big boost as we consider all our options to complete this project.”